"Throughout the ages, many things have been used as currency: livestock, grains, spices, shells, beads, and now paper. But only two things have ever been money: gold and silver. When paper money becomes too abundant, and thus loses its value, man always turns back to precious metals. During these times there is always an enormous wealth transfer, and it is within your power to transfer that wealth away from you or toward you." --Michael Maloney, precious metals investment expert and historian; founder and principal, Gold & Silver, Inc.

The Advanced Guide to Investing Gold and Silver tells readers:

The essential history of economic cycles that make gold and silver the ultimate monetary standard.

How the U.S. government is driving inflation by diluting our money supply and weakening our purchasing power

Why precious metals are one of the most profitable, easiest, and safest investments you can make

Where, when, and how to invest your money and realize maximum returns, no matter what the economy's state

Essential advice on avoiding the middleman and taking control of your financial destiny by making your investments directly.

A lot of people fall into the trap of thinking that they don't have to physically own their precious metals. Either they think they can leverage their position better by buying mining stocks, or they think the futures contracts or ETFs they own are as good as gold. As I've mentioned, that's just plain stinking thinking.

First off, if you're reasoning, "Mining stocks give me leverage; I'll just buy the stocks," then think again. First, if everyone just bought mining stocks, and no one bought physical gold and silver, then the price of gold and silver wouldn't rise. In fact, it would fall because of lack of demand, while all the extra funds available to the mining sector because everyone was buying their stock would then spur increased supply. Second, mining stocks are stocks. They are not gold and silver. They are shares in a company that processes gold or silver. As such, they are subject to market conditions such as a currency crisis or stock market crash. Gold and silver, on the other hand, could rocket to the moon while the mining stocks fall.

But beyond that, there are a number of reasons physically owning gold and silver is the ultimate way to invest for this part of the cycle that we are in. They are:

For 5,000 years, gold and silver have been the only assets that have never failed. Because they are tangible assets of inherent value, their purchasing power will never fall to zero.

They are financial assets that can be completely private and not part of the financial system. Even real estate requires the financial system to transfer title. Gold and silver do not.

They are one of the few financial assets that are not simultaneously someone else's liability. Stocks, bonds, and derivatives life futures and ETFs require the performance of the issuer or counterparty. Even cash requires the performance of the government that issues it to have value. If a government fails, so does its currency. Gold and silver never fail.

They can be wholly owned. You can never really own real estate for instance; if you think you can, just try not paying your property taxes for a few years.

They are safe-haven investments that rise during economic upheaval, war terrorism, and natural disaster.

They have a proven track record of performing well in inflation or deflation.

They have a high value density. that means that, unlike copper or oil, a very small amount of gold or silver provides significant purchasing power.

They have a low bid/ask spread, unlike diamonds or collector coins, which can carry a 15 percent to 100 percent spread.

Every ounce has the same value. Every diamond or collector coin, on the other hand, is different and requires an expert to assess the value.

Physical gold and silver are money in and of themselves.

It is my recommendation that you establish a core physical position of gold-and silver-before you ever diversify into mining stocks, futures, options, ETFs, or any gold-and silver-related investment. Every precious metals investor should have a core position of physical gold and silver that they do not trade. A core position can be held many ways. The size of your core position will be a major factor in determining the different ways it is held.

While typically buying gold in the jewelry form is not the wisest
investment, you can always rely on selling gold jewelry for
cash later on if the need arises.